Yaya Toure seeks transfer from Barcelona to Manchester United or Chelsea
Published 23:00 30/11/09 By Neil McLeman

Barcelona star Yaya Toure wants a move to Manchester United or Chelsea after being left out against Real Madrid.

The Ivory Coast midfielder, the brother of Manchester City's Kolo, only appeared as a second-half sub on Sunday night for Barcelona in El Clasico.

The 26-year-old has failed to command a regular place in Pep Guardiola's Champions League winners this season.

And his agent Dimitri Seluk said: "We are not happy with this obviously. He is not playing. It is very strange not to be having minutes. If a team like Chelsea or Manchester United would come to us, we are obviously open to talking without any kind of problem.

"Yaya won't just sit and wait. He is 26 years old and is nominated for the Golden Ball award. It is ridiculous for a player like this not to be playing.

“I don't know what will happen, but I can say once thing for sure: my player won't be remaining on the bench. This is 100 per cent for sure.

"It would be a mistake for Barca to let him go. For instance, when Liverpool sold Xabi Alonso, Liverpool went downhill. That's the same situation here. Yaya is a key player in organising the midfield and in attacking."

Manchester United are apparently still hot on the trail of Marek Hamsik, after one of their scouts was seen watching the midfielder in action. David Williams, a close friend of United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, was at the Napoli-Parma game on Sunday to monitor the young Slovakian.

With Paul Scholes entering the final stages of his glittering Old Trafford career, the United hierarchy apparently see Hamsik as the perfect replacement to take up the goal scoring midfielder role in the heart of the team. He is seen as one of the club’s primary transfer targets either for the January or summer transfer window.

However, they may face difficulty in their pursuit of the talented whizz-kid, with Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis adamant that his star player is going nowhere. “Many clubs have requested Hamsik, it’s true, but he will stay with us for the long-term.”

Despite this denial, it remains to be seen whether or not he would be able to stand in Hamsik’s way if United came in with an offer for the 22 year old.

And with much of the money from the Ronaldo sale still left and assurances from the owners that this money is to be invested in players, it could be just a matter of time before Hamsik pulls on the famous red shirt and walks out onto the Old Trafford pitch.

hendiplast

01-12-2009, 09:54 PM

Manchester United and Chelsea must pay more than £75m to land Valencia star David Villa

Valencia have told Manchester United and Chelsea that coveted striker David Villa is worth more than £75million.

The Spanish side have warned fans they may need to sell star players like Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata to ease estimated debts of £450m.

But Valencia president Manuel Llorente is trying his best to insist there will be no fire sale.

Changing direction: Villa could now be open to a move to the Premier League

In a Q&A with Spanish students, Llorente was quizzed on the club budget, which estimates a £38m income from the sale of assets.

Asked whether this was effectively the price-tag for Spain striker Villa, Llorente said: 'In my opinion, he is worth twice that amount. But this item (in the budget) refers to the sale of assets, not the sale of Villa or Silva.

'Moreover, this figure has nothing to do with the price of Villa, the price is what the market decides.

'If he scores the goals that help us get into the Champions League, then his initial value is added to by what we earn from the Champions League.

'If there was a quantitative figure, we would have sold him last summer, but the board had no desire to sell.'

The situation has changed with both the club and Villa preparing for his exit. The 27-year-old, once resistant to England, no longer rules out leaving Spain.

Manchester United are set test Valencia's valuation with a £35m bid in January, while Chelsea captain John Terry has previously called for his club to make a move.

In a bid to assuage concerned fans, Llorente insists sales will be to the advantage of Valencia.

'Any sale of a player should not be seen as something negative, but as an opportunity to raise funds. All teams sell players. We need not fear the sale of assets.'

Valencia president Manuel Llorente has confirmed that the Mestalla hierarchy are not afraid to sell players for financial gain, but made clear that prized asset David Villa will only leave Los Che if the club’s €84m valuation is met. Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona have all been pinpointed as possible destinations although such a high price-tag is likely to be only affordable by Manchester City and Real Madrid.

Speaking during a university speech about the history of his football club, Llorente revealed:

“Selling players should not be seen as something negative, but it should be seen as a financial opportunity.

“Every club sell their players. We do not have to be afraid of selling our assets.

Turning his attentions to the specifics of the interest in Spanish international Villa, the president continued:

“In my opinion, he is worth double the €42 million valuation put on him.

“In any case, this figure has nothing to do with Villa.

“It’s the price that the market has set. If he continues to score goals and help us qualify for the Champions League, then his value will increase some more.”

"I called my agent, who told me that he had not spoken with the English team.

"I like the Premier League that I watch on TV, but also the Liga and Serie A championships are just as interesting.

"However, at the moment, I am thinking about Catania's survival, not the transfer market."

Supernan

03-12-2009, 07:49 PM

Neymar interest grows
But Brazlian starlet is happy with Santos

By Patricio Figueroa Last updated: 3rd December 2009

http://img.skysports.com/09/12/800x600/neymar_2392688.jpg

Interest is growing in Brazilian starlet Neymar, with Chelsea and Manchester City reportedly now in the hunt for his signature.

The 17-year-old is already a first-team regular for Santos and has been hailed as one of the South America's brightest young stars for the past 12 months.

Neymar has also cemented his reputation by grabbing 14 goals in the last year.

Manchester United and Arsenal were the first English clubs to show an interest back in 2008, while Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus and AC Milan are all hot on his trail.

Now Chelsea and Manchester Cit are also taking a close look at Neymar - whose value has also soared in the past year.

Reports suggest that Santos want over £20million for the gifted teenager, who has over four years left on his current contract at Vila Belmiro.
Working hard

The player himself insists he is not yet thinking about a move to Europe.

"I only know what is being said in the press, nobody has spoken with me about a possible transfer, and for saying the truth, it's not in mind the idea of leaving Santos," said Neymar.

"I haven't been thinking of a move to Europe.

"I really don't know what is happening and why it said that many European teams are interested in me because here in Brazil nobody has approached me and even the club hasn't told me anything.

"Personally the only thing that I am thinking about is in giving my best to Santos and working very hard for next season as I would like to have a better season."

drivemein

03-12-2009, 11:02 PM

Fabiano: I really admire Sir Alex Ferguson
-sport.co.uk-

http://www.sport.co.uk/public/images_news/Fabiano.jpg

Sevilla striker Fabiano has revealed a deep admiration for Premier League champions Manchester United and their manager Sir Alex Ferguson in particular. The Brazilian international has been strongly linked with a move to England amid reputed interest last summer from United, City and Chelsea, and its clear the forward, who has scored 25 goals in just 36 appearances for the national side, would entertain a move to Old Trafford.

Fabiano told FourFourTwo magazine: “I see Manchester United as a team with a very interesting style of play, of passing, of crossing.”

The Premier League giants are ready to raid Serie A for some upcoming defenders...

Sportmediaset.it claims Sir Alex Ferguson has been sending scouts from Old Trafford to watch him in action. Ranocchia is owned by Genoa and on-loan with Bari where he has made a great impact.

The Italian Under-21 international has helped the Galletti maintain a defensive record which can only be matched by league leaders Inter.

He is seen as a hot prospect for the future, but United face stiff opposition in order to land him. Juventus and Inter are both expected to revive their interest, while local Italian media suggest Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti will show his hand.

It is said the Red Devils are also keen on Ranocchia's team-mate Leonardo Bonucci. The 22-year-old central defender can play on both wings and is also wanted by several clubs.

drivemein

04-12-2009, 12:31 AM

Fabiano open to Old Trafford move
-fourfourtwo.com-

http://cdn.fourfourtwo.com/contentimages/news/Fabiano15.jpg

Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano - reportedly wanted by AC Milan, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United - has revealed he would be open to a move to Old Trafford in the near future.

The 29-year-old Brazilian has netted more than 50 goals for the Andalucians since arriving from Porto in 2005, and has bagged 25 goals in just 36 appearances for the Samba Boys, winning the Golden Shoe at the Confederations Cup during the summer.

As a result, the former Sao Paulo striker has been linked with a move away from the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, with AC Milan the favourites to secure his signature in pre-season, only to refuse to meet Sevilla's asking price.

And with speculation rife that a string of Premier League clubs are weighing up moves for him either in January or next summer, Fabiano has admitted he would find an offer from United appealing.

"I see Manchester United as a team with a very interesting style of play, of passing, of crossing. I think Manchester are a team where it would be easy to fit in," he says in the January issue of FourFourTwo magazine, out now.

Manchester United are interested in Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, according to the player’s agent.

The 23-year-old Germany international is under contract with the Royal Blues until 2012.

Neuer’s agent Thomas Kroth was quoted by Sport Bild as saying: “I have heard of interest from Manchester United, we know about that.”

Schalke last month received a much-needed financial injection after the city of Gelsenkirchen agreed to a 25.5million euro investment in the club by its own energy service provider GEW.

Schalke’s chairman Clemens Tonnies said at the time the funds would be enough to see the financially-troubled club through to the end of the season.

The windfall is also thought to have alleviated the possible need for the sale of star players such as Neuer, but a sizeable bid could force their hand (Independent)

With Edwin Van der Sar not getting any younger and Ben Foster not getting any better, the race to find a suitably talented goalkeeper to take over from the veteran Dutchman continues apace. With that in mind Sir Alex is being strongly linked with a move for German international Manuel Neuer who is a very good goalkeeper who may well be tempted by a move to the Premier League.

Regardless of the improvement in financial terms at the Bundesliga club, Schalke will do well to persuade their giant keeper to turn down any such move should Man United go all in and make a concrete offer for the 23 year old. Having spent his entire playing career at the German club, with just a German League Cup medal to show for his efforts, it will be incredibly hard to stand in the talented goalie’s way should a team of United’s caliber come calling.

What with Stoke City striker James Beattie and his manager Tony Pulis having to be pulled apart in a set-to over a Christmas party, the Fulham striker Bobby Zamora exhorting his own fans to "shut your effin' mouths", and Chelsea's Frank Lampard and Tottenham's Jermain Defoe missing penalties to gift unexpected results to Manchester City and Everton respectively, it's fair to say the season of goodwill is officially upon us.

According to today's Daily Star, David Moyes has posted his letter to Father Christmas and asked for the Atlético Madrid striker Diego Forlán, albeit more in hope of a Christmas miracle than any form of expectation. "If he was interested I would give him a home here but I have said that the players we bring in will probably be on a loan basis," said the Everton manager, presumably by way of polite response to a question from a journalist who asked, possibly for a dare: "If Atlético Madrid striker and two-times winner and current holder of the European Golden Boot, Diego Forlán, a player valued at £31m which everyone knows you don't have, decided for reasons best known to himself that he wanted to move to Everton, would you take him?" The Star reports that the 30-year-old former Manchester United striker Forlan is "desperate to return to the Premier League", but only time will tell how desperate.

Belgian side Standard Liège have given Manchester United and Arsenal "the green light" to start a bidding war for £15m-rated midfielder Steven Defour, who was famously the lucky recipient of a toe-curling get-well-soon letter from Sir Alex Ferguson after breaking his foot a couple of months ago . With Defour having made it clear that he sees his future in the Premier League, expect Arsène Wenger to try to make up ground in the chase for his signature by sending the young Standard Liège skipper a Christmas card with a nice personalised message, an Arsenal advent calendar containing the finest Belgian chocolates and an invitation to the Emirates for mulled wine, mince pies and carol-singing on Christmas Eve.

Wenger has also lined unsettled Barcelona striker Bojan Krkic up in his cross-hairs, with a view to bringing the youngest player ever to score for Barcelona (17 years and 51 days, since you asked so nicely) in as cover for injured striker Robin van Persie. Krkic's ability is not in question, but his temperament is: the teenager occasionally suffers from anxiety attacks and missed out on a European Championship medal in 2008 after asking to be left out of the Spain squad on the grounds that he was "physically and emotionally shattered". Now 19, he is believed to want a move away from Camp Nou having slipped down the pecking ord ... well, having failed to move up the pecking order in the past two years.

Having baulked at signing one Balkan when they ended their interest in Partizan Belgrade midfielder Adem Ljajic last week, Manchester United have set their sights on another: Wolfsburg's 23-year-old Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko. The player himself, however, is believed to prefer a move to Italy.

Meanwhile back at The Emirates, Arsène Wenger has laughed off talk linking him with Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, 71, the former Manchester United star who has – sarcasm ahoy! – long been a firm favourite with Gunners fans. "It would not be the best of starts, bearing in mind our past relationship!' chuckled Wenger, before adding that any striker he signs needs "not to be European Cup-tied and also free, so we must hope Father Christmas is good to us!" Here's hoping for Wenger's sake that the aforementioned benevolent bearded fat man didn't see his naughty refusal to play nice with his Manchester City counterpart Mark Hughes last week. If he did, Wenger may have to settle for the football transfer equivalent of a spinning top and an orange in Carlton Cole.

And finally in rare speculation from today's tabs that doesn't relate to either Manchester United or Arsenal, the Mirror reveals that Birmingham City boss Alex McLeish likes the cut of Fulham full-back Paul Konchesky's jib, while Tottenham's 'Arry Redknapp may buy himself an early Christmas present by gazumping Hoffenheim's £8m bid to secure the scrawl of Ivory Coast and Young Boys of Berne striker Seydo Doumbia.

guardian.co.uk

hendiplast

07-12-2009, 08:43 PM

Manchester United set for transfer tussle with Chelsea for Argentina star Sergio Aguero

Manchester United are quietly keeping track of efforts to prise Sergio Aguero from cash-strapped Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea have shown the most determination in landing the Argentina striker, with reports in Spain saying the English club have seen at least two bids knocked back.

Aguero has conceded it may be time to leave La Liga, though not till the end of the season, when the Blues could be under a transfer embargo.

Inter boss Jose Mourinho has made Aguero his No 1 target for next summer, reports El Mundo Deportivo, but meeting his £55million release clause would be tricky for the Italians and former Chelsea winger Ricardo Quaresma could be offered in part-exchange.

However, United could yet emerge as a rival for the 21-year-old hot shot.

Sir Alex Ferguson has long tracked the father of Diego Maradona's grandchild but tentative approaches in the summer revealed his huge pay demands.

The champions' spending power has been called into question, but United are tracking Valencia striker David Villa and reports in Spain indicate that Ferguson is excited by the prospect of building a Villa-Aguero-Wayne Rooney attack.

Ferguson has yet to spend most of the £80m United received from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer, though Partizan Belgrade and Bayern Munich have suggested an Old Trafford cash shortage over failed moves for Adem Ljajic and Franck Ribery.

Sir Alex Ferguson has distanced himself from speculation linking Edin Dzeko with a big-money move to Manchester United.

The 23-year-old Bosnian is one of the most highly-rated young strikers in Europe, having scored 40 times in 75 Bundesliga appearances.

With Wolfsburg apparently unlikely to repeat their surprise title triumph of last season this term, Dzeko seems certain to leave the Volkswagen Arena next summer.

Indeed, if the price is right, Wolfsburg might even be persuaded to do a deal during the January transfer window, although such a move would be resisted if they reached the Champions League knock-out phase.

A host of top continental clubs are said to be interested in Dzeko, with United reportedly among them after he scored Wolfsburg's goal in the German side's 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in September.

However, even though at the weekend his assistant Mike Phelan admitted there could be interest in the player by the Red Devils, Ferguson is not adding any fuel to the flames.

'It is an age-old story,' he said. 'Every time someone does well against Manchester United we are going to buy him the next day.

'There is nothing from Manchester United at this moment concerning Edin Dzeko.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/

hendiplast

08-12-2009, 05:27 PM

Manchester United in fight to solve defensive crisis as Bayern Munich look to snatch top target Simon Kjaer

According to the Daily Mail, Sir Alex Ferguson is desperate to land the 20-year-old in an attempt to cover for the high number of injuries that have struck down his defence. The report claims interest at Old Trafford has been inflated because of injuries to John O'Shea, Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand.

Sources claim United are planning to arrange a deal quickly to beat the competition to the Danish international as Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Liverpool and Juventus are also said to be interested in him.

Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini opened the door to offers last month when he revealed a trade was possible, but only if his stringent conditions are met.

"I haven't heard from anyone. It's the agent who talks. I hope to keep Kjaer for another year or so, and I am sure he will be happy," Zamparini told Tuttomercatoweb.com in November.

"He has a €12m release clause in his contract, but it has to be in cash with no co-ownership deals or payment options."

Despite the report, the Rosanero are unlikely to sell mid-season. New coach Delio Rossi is trying to build a steady framework and would be unhappy to see one of his star defenders leave. Furthermore, Kjaer has already claimed he will decide on his future after the World Cup.

Sol Campbell says he has not had any contact with Manchester United despite being linked with a move to the club earlier today.

It was reported that the former England defender had been asked to train at Old Trafford as the club hope to address their defensive injury crisis. However, the 35-year-old says that, though he would be happy to accept such an offer, it has yet to be made.

"I have heard nothing officially from Manchester United, but there have been suggestions and, of course, it would be a great move for me, if it happens," he said. "I shall just have to wait and see if a call comes through the right channels.

"Of course, I would love to play for Manchester United, but I am not counting any chickens, just waiting to see what happens," he told ESPN Soccernet. "I am training as usual at Arsenal, and would go to train at Manchester United if I was asked."

Campbell may have to wait for some time yet, however. An insider at Manchester United described any move for the defender as "nonsense".

Sol Campbell is waiting to hear if he will receive an official SOS from Manchester United to ease Sir Alex Ferguson's plague of defensive injuries.

Sol Campbell could join former England team-mate Michael Owen at United

Reports in the British press on Wednesday claimed that Campbell had been invited to train with the United team to assess his fitness ahead of the New Year, and Ferguson could then offer him a six-month contract until the end of the season.

However, Campbell has revealed that there has not yet been any approach from the Red Devils but he would be happy to train with the Premer League champions after spending several weeks with former club Arsenal.

Campbell told ESPN Soccernet: "I have heard nothing officially from Manchester United, but there have been suggestions and of course, it would be a great move for me, if it happens. I shall just have to wait and see if a call comes through the right channels.

"Of course I would love to play for Manchester United, but I am not counting any chickens, just waiting to see what happens. I am training as usual at Arsenal, and would go to train at Manchester United if I was asked."

Campbell also told ESPN Soccernet that he feels fully fit after intense training every day with the Gunners, and he is itching to resume his career.

With a host of defenders, including Rio Ferdinand, John O'Shea, Jonny Evans and Wes Brown, all sidelined, Sir Alex could be interested in bringing in the former England defender on a short-term contract.

Although the player has reached an agreement to leave Notts County, it is highly unlikely that he would be able to play for another club before the transfer window opens on January 1 as he was contracted to the Magpies when the last window closed.

A host of Premier League clubs are likely to be chasing his signature once he is eligible to sign for a new club, though it is certain the 35-year-old will need time to get back to full match fitness.

soccernet.com

drivemein

10-12-2009, 03:50 PM

Kjaer cools United claims
-fourfourtwo.com-

http://cdn.fourfourtwo.com/contentimages/news/Kjaer5.jpg

Palermo defender Simon Kjaer - reportedly wanted by Manchester United, Liverpool and Real Madrid - has played down reports that he is set to join the Premier League champions.

The highly-rated 20-year-old has caught the eye of a host of European heavyweights after impressing in Serie A following his move from FC Midtjylland in 2008.

However, after claims that United supremo Sir Alex Ferguson was weighing up a move for his services, Kjaer has insisted that he is not looking to move away from the Rosanero.

"Manchester United? I am happy here in Palermo and I want to help with the push for European football," he said in La Repubblica.

"I have three years to go on my contract. Plus, I have not spoken to anyone and I am fully focused on Palermo."

Kjaer - a self-confessed Liverpool fan - had hinted in the summer that he would be interested in a move to England.

But the Danish international - who was won seven caps - said he did not view next summer's World Cup as an opportunity to attract the attentions of bigger clubs.

"The World Cup will be an incredible experience for me, but I don't think it will serve as a shop window," he said.

“I am concentrated on Palermo, even after the World Cup.

"Will another season at Palermo be good for me? I cannot think about what will happen in six months, I have to think day by day."

UNITED will not be offering Sol Campbell a Premier League lifeline at Old Trafford.

Reports said the 35-year-old ex-Arsenal and England centre-back was a shock target for Sir Alex Ferguson as a result of the deep defensive injury crisis at Old Trafford, suggesting the Reds were ready to offer the free agent a short-term deal until the end of the season.

And the defender, keen to kick-start his career again, had hoped United would consider taking a chance on him.

He said: "I have heard nothing officially from Manchester United, but there have been suggestions and, of course, it would be a great move for me, if it happens. I shall just have to wait and see if a call comes through the right channels.

"Of course, I would love to play for Manchester United, but I am not counting any chickens, just waiting to see what happens. I am training as usual at Arsenal, and would go to train at Manchester United if I was asked."

But M.E.N. Sport understands the club were dumbfounded at the stories and have dismissed the chance of a deal completely.

Patched up United

United returned from a successful Champions League trip to Wolfsburg, despite being forced to name a makeshift line-up due to eight first-team casualties in defence, to news that Campbell had been targeted to answer the rearguard SOS.

Defenders Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Wes Brown, Jonny Evans, John O'Shea, Gary Neville, Fabio, Rafael and Ritchie De Laet were all unavailable for the final Group B match in Germany.

But United won through with a patched up defensive line up of Ji-sung Park, Darren Fletcher, Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra. Vidic and De Laet, at least will be available for Saturday's Old Trafford tea-time league match against Aston Villa.

But with O'Shea and Evans both out until the New Year and no return date yet pencilled in for Ferdinand, the Campbell story fitted the bill.

It would have been a move similar to Fergie's decisions to plunge for the likes of Laurent Blanc, Henrik Larsson and Michael Owen.

The defender has been training with Arsenal since quitting League Two club Notts County in September less than a month after his shock move to Meadow Lane.

Campbell had signed a five-year deal but walked out after just one game against Morecambe.

Sport.co.uk understands the chase for Galatasaray defender Cetin Servet is hotting up after the player's agent admitted his client could leave the Turkish giant for around £!0 million. The 28-year-old, who has a variety of eccentric nicknames, including 'Terminator,' 'Bionic Servet,' and 'Ayibogan,' which means 'Man who could choke a bear,' also revealed on Turkish television last month that he would be willing to leave the Istanbul outfit if they benefited suitably from any such transfer. North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have been monitoring the tough tackling centre back, while Spanish radio station Cadena SER claim that Barcelona have also entered the race. The player's agent also suggested Manchester United and Liverpool were in the hunt for the international. Sport.co.uk spoke exclusively to the player's agent Mithat Halis who confirmed that depsite no official contact, his client was excited by the rumours.
Mithat Halis told Sport.co.uk:
“I have heard the rumours, but there is no official contact with myself or the club (Galatasaray). And there has been no contact from either Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur regarding Cetin. I think that both clubs have sent scouts to watch the player, as have a large number of top European clubs.

“Yes, Cetin is excited by the rumours because he is a very good candidate for the clubs in question. I am not 100% if he will leave yet but he is a candidate, a good candidate. I think Tottenham have problems in that area, as do Arsenal and Manchester United. Cetin is a good candidate for these clubs because he is a strong player and they need strength. He is a similar type of player to Nemaja Vidic, but stronger.

“I think an offer of £10 million is enough. That would not be a problem for the club.”

Speaking to Lig TV Servet said:

“I have said this before and am saying it again: If my club Galatasaray is going to gain from my transfer and if our chairman gives his blessing to this deal, then I am ready to go."

Reports in the summer suggested Servet had signed for French Ligue 1 side Marseille, and the big defender admitted things were handled poorly:

“I made a mistake. From now there will be no announcement from me or any other person until a transfer agreement has been signed, sealed and delivered.”

The Borussia Dortmund centre back Neven Subotic, dubbed the "New Vidic" has named 7 Premier League players in his World XI on his offical website. The giant Serbian youngster has been attracting interest from Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool in the last year. Sport.co.uk spoke to the player's agent earlier this month to clarify the player's situation.

“Neven is always going to attract speculation because he is a top class player. I think he would be interested in a top club, but which client? I don’t know. It is doubtful he will move in January, but I am sure there will be a lot of specualtion and rumours.

“There is absolutely nothing concrete at this moment in time, I can confirm that. No representative or club has approached me, and I have no phone calls at all. He is one of the top young centre half’s in Europe, and it is no surprise figures of £15 and £20 million are being talked about. I know England’s top clubs are monitoring, as are Italy’s top clubs.

“Speculation is bound to start, but I cannot see him moving before next summer’s tournament. But anything can happen in football.”

The talented 20-year-old has named seven Premier League stars in his world XI including 3 from Chelsea, 2 from Liverpool and two from Manchester United, including the man he is set follow in the footsteps of, Nemanja Vidic.

Manchester United and Arsenal are both linked with Juventus striker Amauri

Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea will be alerted with the news that Juventus striker Amauri is set to be transfer listed.

The Brazilian-born Italian has been in decent form for the Bianconeri since his move from Palermo in the summer of 2008, repaying the €22.4 million transfer fee with sixteen league goals in a season and a half, although only four have come this term.

Never capped internationally, in part down to a dispute over which country to represent, Amauri was linked with a handful of clubs before his Serie A switch last year.

Now, Sportmediaset.it reports that Juventus are ready to offload the striker in a bid to raise some cash for Sampdoria forward Giampaulo Pazzini.

The Old Lady will look to recover a large amount of the money spent on Amauri, although a fee in the region of £15 million is seen as unlikely.

The pressure is rising on boss Ciro Ferrara after Juventus crashed out of the Champions League at the group stages, with a loss to German side Bayern Munich on Tuesday night confining them to the Europa League.

Changes are thought to be needed at the Stadio Olimpico, and the former Chievo striker could be one of the players to go.

News from the Italian media will have filtered through to the top clubs in europe, and the Premier League elite are sure to be keeping tabs on the striker. If, as expected, he becomes available in January, a bidding war could ensue.

drivemein

11-12-2009, 10:24 PM

Why Karim Benzema could be heading for Manchester United in January
-mirrorfootball.co.uk-

Karim Benzema has had a disappointing start to his Real Madrid career - and Florentino Perez is already considering attempting to recuperate the £35million splashed out on him in the summer by selling him, rather than waiting to see if he settles and risk seeing his value diminish.

As previously reported in this column, Manchester United thought that they had landed Benzema last summer. Could Ferguson's interest be rekindled?

If Benzema is sold, Madrid would add the money to continue their pursuit of David Villa - who told me this week that he would now consider the Premier League - and Franck Ribery, who may have politely turned down moves to Chelsea or Man City and could already have agreed a move to the Bernabeu.

Sir Alex Ferguson has played down rumours that he’s about to turn to Sol Campbell to solve his central defensive injury crisis.

The Manchester United boss also hinted he’s unlikely to spend in January, even though money is available, contrary to reports.

He’s confident United can get through the festive period unscathed and that the pending return of Jonny O’Shea and John O’Shea will solve his problems.

As for stories circulating about Campbell, Fergie said: “I don't know where this came from but it is all wrong.”

He added. "Sol Campbell was a great player but he is not a player we are thinking about getting to come to United.

"Jonny Evans could be back in ten days and John O'Shea will be with us in January. We are having a hard time with centre-backs at this moment in time but I am sure by January most of them will be back."

Of the cash-flow situation at Old Trafford, the United boss said: “It has been said I do not have the money. But the money is there if I wanted to use it. "I didn't see any value in the summer and I don't see any value at the moment either. I am happy with the players I already have at the club."

Manchester United will be given a second chance to sign France forward Karim Benzema.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is a keen admirer of the 21-year-old and it is believed that Benzema shunned a move to Old Trafford in the summer in favour of signing from Real Madrid.

However, by the high standards at the Bernabeu, the former Lyon man has disappointed. He may have scored four goals in 11 La Liga appearances, but coach Manuel Pellegrini has started Benzema on the bench in six of the last seven matches.

Madrid are now keen to rekindle a move for long-term target David Villa from Valencia and are prepared to listen to offers for Benzema in a bid to raise funds.

Ferguson has money to spend after failing to re-invest the lion's share of the £80million he received from Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer.

Question marks have been raised over United's ability to spend, but Ferguson said: 'The money is there if I wanted to use it. I didn't see any value in the summer and I don't see any value at the moment either. I am happy with the players I already have at the club.'

His mind could change if Madrid offer Benzema for the same fee they bought him: about £35m.

However, Ferguson may prefer to rival Madrid for Spain striker Villa, who has also attracted interest from Chelsea and Manchester City.

ewww NO Benzie pleaseee!!!
enak aja United di jadiin ban serep, he had his chance and he blew it to go to Real...skrg ga "berhasil" di RM pindah ke United gitu? enak ajaaa!!!! He should've known better before that Real is not a good club for developing players...take Huntelaar for example. Mending beli Silva aja deh, kayanya striker blom terlalu butuh yg ada repot ngerotasinya.

B4YU

12-12-2009, 09:24 AM

rumor Campbell dibantah SAF di official site.....:muscarf::muscarf:

Sir Alex has ruled out a move for free agent Sol Campbell, declaring that the former Arsenal and England centre-back is "not a player we're interested in bringing to United."

Sir Alex Ferguson has hit back at rumours that the Glazer family have slammed shut his transfer war chest.

Ferguson says Manchester United’s American owners have given him the green light to spend the £80million from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo – if he wants to.

But he says he will not be held to ransom by “silly season” values in the transfer market and believes the squad he has assembled has shown it is strong enough to cope with the demands of battling for honours on four fronts.

And he underlined that point by confirming veterans Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes will be given one-year extensions to their current contracts while handing a new deal to striker Danny Welbeck, 19, that ties him to the club until 2013.

The sudden withdrawal from a £10m deal for Serbian Adem Ljajic last week prompted the player’s club, Partizan Belgrade, to suggest that United were on the brink of a financial crisis, with the Glazers allegedly struggling to service the £700m debt they took on to buy the club four years ago.

And when United were linked with a move for free agent Sol Campbell – even after Ferguson emphatically denied any interest – it was seen by some as an example of trying to strengthen the squad on the cheap.

But with Bayern Munich wanting £60m for Franck Ribery, Valencia looking for £50m for David Villa and Wolfsburg valuing Edin Dzeko at £30m, Ferguson does not believe such prices represent value for money and will not buy when the window opens next month.

“The Ronaldo money is there if I want to use it,” said Ferguson . “The money was there in the summer if I had wanted to use it. There is no bother. That is a fact. But I didn’t think there was any value in the market then and I don’t see any value now, so I’m not thinking of buying anyone in January. I’m happy with what I have brought to the club.

Sir Alex Ferguson has warned his rivals that he has a £60million transfer fund at his disposal ... and he’s willing to spend it.

The Manchester United boss went on the defensive on Friday after hearing suggestions that the club - in debt to the tune of £700million - do not have cash to fund transfers.

But despite the financial burden placed on the Barclays Premier League champions by club owners, the Glazer family, Ferguson claimed he can spend the remainder of the proceeds from the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portugal winger was sold to Real Madrid for £80m and United then spent about £20m on Antonio Valencia and Gabriel Obertan.

Ferguson said: ‘The money’s there if I want to buy someone. There is no question about that. The Ronaldo money? Yes, we can use it. There is no bother. That’s a fact.’

Ferguson prompted questions about United’s financial situation after being irritated by false claims he was looking to sign out-of-work Sol Campbell in January.

He added: ‘It’s been suggested we were moving for Sol Campbell because we don’t have the money and we wanted to take somebody cheap. I don’t know where that came from. But it was all wrong.

‘Sol has had a great career but he’s not a player we’re thinking about. We’re having a hard time with the centre backs but, come January, we’ll have most of them back.’

Yet Ferguson, aware that Nemanja Vidic could be enticed away by foreign suitors, will be keeping an eye on defenders who become available.

He added: ‘I don’t see any value in the market and that’s why I didn’t buy anyone more in the summer. The prices we were quoted for players were not reasonable and that’s why I didn’t do anything more. There’s a danger this could continue but it doesn’t change my view that we must look for value.’

Meanwhile striker Danny Welbeck, 19, has signed a new contract that will keep him at United until 2013.

Manchester United are to be offered an amazing SECOND CHANCE to sign Real Madrid star Karim Benzema.

The Daily Mail says United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is a keen admirer of the 21-year-old and it is believed that Benzema shunned a move to Old Trafford in the summer in favour of signing from Real Madrid.

However, by the high standards at the Bernabeu, the former Lyon man has disappointed. He may have scored four goals in 11 La Liga appearances, but coach Manuel Pellegrini has started Benzema on the bench in six of the last seven matches.

Madrid are now keen to rekindle a move for long-term target David Villa from Valencia and are prepared to listen to offers for Benzema in a bid to raise funds.

Ferguson has money to spend after failing to re-invest the lion's share of the £80million he received from Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer.

However, he may prefer to rival Madrid for Spain striker Villa, who has also attracted interest from Chelsea and Manchester City.

Monaco defender Cedric Mongongu is reportedly a target for a number of English clubs, according to his agent.

The 20-year-old DR Congo international has also been linked with a move to Serie A giants AC Milan, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool the Premier League sides reportedly keeping tabs on him.

Mongongu's agent Christophe Mongai does not think a deal will be done during the January transfer window, but expects him to move in the future.

"Milan has followed him for some time and has often sent its scouts to observe him, but that doesn't mean that there is a real deal," he told tuttomercatoweb.

"I don't know anything about interest from Juventus.

"In football you never know, but I think it is very difficult. AC Milan could be a problem with the competition from other clubs.

"The player is also wanted in England and the Premier League is a more important stage than the Italian championship."

Monaco are currently mid-table in Ligue 1 and they have conceded 16 goals in 14 games so far this season.

Manchester United's hopes of signing Edin Dzeko have been boosted by AC Milan cooling their interest in the Wolfsburg striker.

The much-coveted Dzeko has made no secret of his desire to join Milan, but San Siro managing director Adriano Galliani says he is looking for a different kind of attacking option.

Following the Italian giants' 2-0 defeat by Palermo at the weekend, Galliani said: 'We are looking for an out and out attacker. We like Dzeko, but he doesn't have the characteristics we are looking for.'

Wolfsburg resisted bids from Milan and interest in Dzeko from the Barclays Premier League during the summer.

The 23-year-old Bosnia international has been tracked by United as a potential January recruit, while Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal have also shown interest.

Dzeko has scored 12 goals in 23 appearances for Wolfsburg this season and was named Bundesliga player of the year last season after hitting 26 in 32 league appearances.

Neuer, Dzeko And Garay All Set For United
-manchesterunited.vitalfootball.co.uk-

http://www.manchesterbars.com/photos/oldtrafford-300.jpg

A few weeks ago Sir Alex told reporters that he did not see value for money in the transfer market and that he was happy with his squad. So, it's only natural that the papers keep on linking us to every decent footballer on the planet.

According to the Daily Mail, we are in pole position to secure the signature of Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko as Milan's vice-president Adriano Galliani declared they were not interested in him due to having similar players available. With Pato, Huntelaar, Borriello and Inzaghi all at the club it only makes sense they do not want to purchase another centre-forward.

However, Dzeko would cost a fortune, could not play in the Champions League and confirmed his preference for Serie A many times. Will he join us? Unlikely. Even if we have the money which is far from certain.

Various sources report that we are in talks with Schalke for talented goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and that the Gelsenkirchen club is prepared to let him go for as little as 10m. Now for a private confession: I desperately want this rumour to be true because Neuer is an excellent, highly reliable goalkeeper with a great build. He would be the perfect successor of Edwin in my opinion.

But Fergie confirmed a few weeks ago that Foster would not be leaving in January and that Tomasz Kuszczak will have the chance to impress. Which means it's unlikely that we'll sign a fourth goalkeeper. But this deal could happen in the summer and I very much hope it will happen.

Now move on for the wilder pieces of gossip. Apparently, Real Madrid are ready to offload Ezequiel Garay - the defender hasn't set the world alight since moving to Madrid - and United are very much interested, preferably in a loan deal. He was supposed to become one of the best centre-backs in the world but it's fair to say this did not happen. In short, I would say that Madrid's defence is, erm, not very good and he can't get games in that defence. Unlikely, again.

And my personal favourite: Real Madrid are disappointed with the contribution of summer acquisition Karim Benzema and are contemplating a sale before his value dips. He was very much on Fergie's radar in the summer but the manager admitted he had been priced out of the move. But does he want a Real Madrid reject now? Are the Spaniards really ready to sell? It would be surprising to see them giving up on Benzema so quickly - he was a marquee signing and will probably get more chances to show his value. The way Real Madrid is run is often confusing but they are not Liverpool - they won't sell a striker who had arrived with big hopes at a loss after only six months.

And some more rumours, in brief: Klaas-Jan Huntelaar could leave Milan in January as he's not content with the amount of games he gets and United are interested in the Dutch striker; Gremio slashed the price of young star Douglas Costa and therefore we have resurrected our interest in him; Catania's 21-year-old Japanese striker Takayuki Morimoto is also a target - I've never heard of him; the Manchester Evening News reckon that we are still in the hunt for both David Villa and David Silva who, in my humble opinion, would turn United into title favourites immediately but whose arrival is hugely unlikely.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is set to resume his interest in striker Karim Benzema, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The French ace was reported to be Ferguson's top transfer target last summer but was priced out of a move for the player by Real Madrid.

It is thought that the 21-year-old could now be set for an early exit from the Bernabeu after failing to impress since his £35m move to Madrid in the summer.

United blew the chance to go joint leaders with Chelsea on Saturday after loosing 1-0 to Aston Villa. Surprisingly, Ferguson started with just one striker in attack leaving Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen on the bench.

However, the United manager could now be set to strengthen his strike force even further by testing the Spanish club with a bid for Benzema in the January tranfer window.

While Benzema would not be allowed to play for United in Europe, the Reds will utilise the striker for the second half of the season in their bid to win an historic fourth title.

Ten Signings Who Could Help Manchester United the Title: £175m of Players Analysed

Manuel Neuer
His club, Schalke, deny it, but reports indicate that Ferguson’s search for a long-term successor to Edwin van der Sar may end with German international goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The 23-year-old’s agent has claimed that his club were keen to sell the highly-rated shot-stopper in January in an attempt to improve their own financial problems. Neuer, who is contracted until the end of the 2011-12 campaign, has made more than 100 starts for the Bundesliga side. And he says the right things: “I really admire Sir Alex Ferguson. He’s been around for so long, always winning titles.”

Micah Richards
Now that Sol Campbell’s transfer appears to have been ruled out, then a bid for Manchester City’s Micah Richards might make more sense in the context of the apparent fragility of United’s senior defenders (Ferdinand, Vidic, Neville). Newspaper rumours have already got Ferguson lining up a bid for the powerful, mobile defender whose career has stalled over the last two years. He has fallen out of favour at Eastlands due to a combination of competition for places and some erratic performances and speculation has it that his relationship with current manager Mark Hughes is strained.

Simon Kjaer
United are reported to be lining up an £11m bid for Simon Kjaer, the Danish international defender currently at Palermo. The long-term future of Ferdinand (injury) and Nemanja Vidic (courted by Barcelona) would appear to be in doubt. Ferguson has been looking at Kjaer as a long-term answer, a candidate to play alongside Jonny Evans in United’s next incarnation. The 20-year-old is also reported to be interesting Liverpool and Juventus.

Steven Defour
When an injured player gets a Get Well soon card from a manager of another club, it’s a sure sign of transfer interest. So when Ferguson’s letter to the 21-year-old Defour assuring him that that he was going to ‘follow your progress closely’ was made public, so the intention was clear. The Standard Liege captain and midfield player was suitably flattered: “If they come knocking, then I would obviously not cause problems”.

Jack Rodwell
The assumption amongst many has long been that midfielder/defender Rodwell would follow Wayne Rooney in the journey from Everton to Old Trafford. The talented teenager is regarded as a certainty to ‘make it’ and is likely to move on from Everton. United may prefer to wait until the summer to make their bid (and Everton would certainly prefer that) but interest from Chelsea and Manchester City may provoke a bid, for around £20m, this January.

Guti
It has been claimed that Guti, Real Madrid’s vice-captain, has been taking English lessons ahead of a proposed switch to the Premier League – and that United could be his preferred destination. The Spanish international has struggled to get in the first-team since Real’s huge spending spree in the summer, and is apparently open to a move away from the Bernabeu. Madrid are reportedly seeking £4m for the 33-year-old who has fallen out with coach Manuel Pellegrini after a dressing room row.

Edin Dzeko
Ferguson has made a habit of signing players who have done well against his team (it explains many a left-field purchases over the years). Dzeko scored against United in each of the games he played against them in the Champions League and it was noticed, as assistant manager Mike Phelan noticed: “He has shown good form and he is a talented footballer. We are looking at talent all the time … He appeals because he is a tall boy and is skilful and in some ways he is an ideal player for the league in England.”

Sergio Aguero
The big money has been on Aguero heading to Chelsea but it will be a test of United’s spending power if they went to a bidding war over the talented Argentine – he would undoubtedly be welcome. If Ferguson does still have the £80m from the Ronaldo transfer then he’d be in a good position to trigger the £55m release clause in Aguero’s contract with Atletico Madrid.

Stevan Jovetic
Any player who scores against Liverpool is a hero at United and the Fiorentina teenager scored twice against them in this season’s Champions League. He has also welcomed the rumours linking him to United: “I read about the transfer stories around me and am honoured by Manchester United’s interest, but I am very happy in Florence’.

David Silva
The Valencia player has been linked to United for a season or two now. His team-mate David Villa will have heard similar rumours too, but the younger player is more likely, and fits in better with the preferred Old Trafford policy of buying under-25s. With Giggs and Scholes on the way out, United need invention and wit in the midfield. The classy Silva could be the one to make it happen, but with theories on the transfer fee ranging from £25-40m, it’s difficult to say for certain. The fee would rise after a successful World Cup, though. (Independent)

Sir Alsep Ferguson

16-12-2009, 05:56 PM

Manchester United to pounce for young Serb defender, the 'new Vidic'

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is set to swoop for 17 year-old Serbian sensation Uros Cosic . The youngster is currently at Russian giants CSKA Moscow and is being touted as potentially better than compatriot Nemaja Vidic, who scored in last night's Premier League clash against Wolves.

CSKA spotted the Serb youngster at Belgrade club Crvena Zvezda and snapped him up earlier this year. At 6ft 1in, Cosic adds a physical presence to an excellent reading of the game. He has been so impressive that CSKA's President Yevgeni Giner has appealed to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to grant the youngster Russian citizenship.

“I must stress that we would like to keep Cosic”, said Giner.

“We even offered him Russian citizenship. It now depends upon the President Medvedev whether it is granted or not."

Giner lavished praise on Cosic and revealed United's interest, “I have not seen such a great central defender before, not to mention that he is only 17.

“But Manchester United would also love to have him.

“They have already made several attempts to approach me about him, asking if I was ready to negotiate.

“They can see - the boy is going to grow into a bigger star than Vidic.”

Premier League champions Manchester United are reportedly monitoring the progress of CSKA Moscow starlet Uros Cosic. Sir Alex Ferguson has faced something of a defensive crisis over the last six weeks with a glut of his Old Trafford starts consigned to the sidelines most notably Rio Ferdinand, Jonny Evans, Gary Neville, John O’Shea and on occasions Nemanja Vidic and Wes Brown, meaning the beleaguered Scot has had to blood Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher in his back four. Today the Daily Mirror suggest Sir Alex Ferguson is now ready to make a January swoop on CSKA Moscow’s 17-year-old Serbian, seen by many as a more talented defender as his compatriot Vidic.

The newspaper claims the defender could move to Old Trafford in the New Year and immediately compete for a centreback berth alongside Evans, Vidic and Ferdinand.

Moscow’s club president Yevgeni Giner has revealed Manchester United’s interest in the precocious talent but admitted they wanted to keep the player.

He is quoted by the Daily Mirror saying: “I must stress that we would like to keep Cosic.”

“We even offered him Russian citizenship. It now depends upon the Presdent Medvedev whether it is granted or not.”

“I have not seen such a great central defender before, not to mention that he is only 17.”

“But Manchester United would also love to have him.”

“They have already made several attempts to approach me about him, asking if I was ready to negotiate.”

“They can see - the boy is going to grow into a bigger star than Vidic.”

Manchester United signed Vidic from Spartak Moscow in January 2006 and he has since gone on to establish himself as one of the best defenders in Europe, however Cosic is believed to be a brighter prospect at the same age.

Roma midfielder Daniele de Rossi has once again publically declared his loyalty to the Italian side despite continued speculation about a possible move abroad and close friends pushing him to test himself in either Spain or England. The combative enforcer, who has previously been linked with the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea is widely regarded as the heart and soul of the Stadio Olimpico outfit alongside striker Francesco Totti.

Speaking to Revista Romanista, the 26-year-old admitted that despite the prospect of playing at the Santiago Bernebeu, Camp Nou, Old Trafford and Anfield being exciting, he would not be seeking such a move.

"During the Roma-Lazio game a friend of mine who supports Roma was pitchside. He keeps telling me to leave Roma so I can experience games like Real Madrid-Barcelona or Liverpool-Manchester United.

"However, at the end of the game I told him just why I didn't want to leave. Now he understands.

“I still wouldn't leave even if the club tried to sell me. I would stay. The only time I would go is if the club went bankrupt."

The prospect of the giallorossi going into administration is not as far-fetched as may initially be apparent. Racked by debts the Serie A stalwarts were forced to sell Alberto Aquilani to Liverpool in the summer to help ease their financial woes.

drivemein

18-12-2009, 08:21 PM

I am absolutely flattered that Manchester United are keeping tabs on me
-sport.co.uk-

http://manunitedstory.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/1216984219.jpg

While Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has been quick to stress that Edwin van der Sar’s successor will be promoted from within Old Trafford, the Premier League champions continue to be linked with a host of top keepers around Europe. The latest, Schalke 04’s Manuel Neuer, has admitted he is ‘flattered’ by Manchester United’s alleged interest in him, and he admits he would relish the chance of playing in the Champions League.

Neuer told Sport Bild: “I really want to play Champions League football next season. We're all thinking about our careers and so am I.”

“Hopefully Schalke manages to qualify for the Champions League,”

“I know that Manchester United are keeping tabs on me.”

“They've sent scouts to several Schalke games and they watched me in action with Germany under-21s against England last summer.”

“I am absolutely flattered that a big team such as Manchester are interested in me. That shows that I'm on the right track and that I haven't made too many mistakes.

“Bayern are also believed to be interested in signing me, but I have never spoken with anyone about a possible move.”

Sir Alex Ferguson has regularly suggested that Van der Sar’s replacement will be either Tomasz Kuszczak or Ben Foster, yet he is in no rush to push the Old Trafford veteran into retirement. The Manchester United number one is yet to make a decision on his future, yet early indications suggest he will extend his deal another year.

While the Greek press gets carried away on the possible arrival of Hatem Ben Arfa to Olympiakos, is another destination that could shape the future of striker Olympian, in disgrace with Didier Deschamps.

Indeed, Manchester United is very interested in old Lyon. A meeting was held this afternoon in England between the Red Devils leaders and a representative of the Ben Arfa OM will not retain the next winter mercato.
===============
Gak tau nih bener atau gak....

Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit for France international Hatem Ben Arfa and are reportedly in talks over a £7.5million move to sign the controversial Marseille winger.

According to reports in France, the Barclays Premier League champions are locked in negotiations to secure the promising 22-year-old talent, whom L'OM are looking to offload after a recent bust-up between the midfielder and boss Didier Deschamps.

Everton and Birmingham are among a list of potential suitors and Old Trafford chief Sir Alex Ferguson is said to be keen to send Ben Arfa out on loan to enhance his experience of English football before introducing him to his first team plans next term.

With seven caps and one goal to his name with Les Bleus, the winger, who made his Champions League debut against United as a substitute in 2004, has previously courted interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid.

But Ferguson would be taking a massive risk in signing the exciting youngster who has had been involved in a series of previous training ground controversies ever since his high-profile emergence in French football as a teenager at Lyon.

At 15 he allegedly clashed with Arsenal star Abou Diaby in a heated confrontation at France's renowned Clairefontaine academy while his exit at Lyon loomed after a tempered training ground scuffle with veteran defender Sebastian Squillaci in 2008.

And just over a fortnight after his £9.8m switch to Marseille last July he was separated by his new team-mates following a bout with former Liverpool and Sunderland striker Djibril Cisse.

Yet United, who have closely monitored the highly-rated star's development over the past five years, remain extremely interested and are hoping to sign him for a relatively cheaper price - as they did with former Bordeaux youngster Gabriel Obertan this year.

Ben Arfa's agent insists Jean-Jacques Bertrand discussions have not taken place but refuses to rule out a move for his client.

'For now, we have not established contact with any club. But do not rule out a move,' he told French sports newspaper L'Equipe.

'Maybe OM have had contact with interested clubs.'

Ben Arfa has made only 12 appearances this season, with two assists to his name.

Faith in United's physios - and his players' powers of recovery - have persuaded Sir Alex Ferguson to stay out of next month's transfer market.

Speaking to Key 103, the club's radio commentary partner, on Friday, the manager said the imminent return of several defenders negates any need to bring in new faces.

"That has not come onto the agenda," said Sir Alex, when asked about fresh acquisitions.

"We hope that Wes Brown will be back in a week or 10 days' time, Rio Ferdinand is improving, Gary Neville is getting there and Rafael Da Silva has now started training.

"We are not so bad and we are not looking at signing players."

The next update regarding injuries is expected on Christmas Eve morning (Thursday), when the manager meets the media for his weekly press conference. Be sure to visit ManUtd.com from 09:30 GMT for news of who's in and who's out for Sunday's trip to Hull.

Key 103's live commentary on the Hull match, featuring Hugh Ferris and former United midfielder Mickey Thomas, will be available on MUTV Online.

drivemein

22-12-2009, 09:37 AM

Manchester United Close In On £16m Signing of Goal Machine Fabiano
-caughtoffside.com-

http://www.ligafutbol.net/wp-content/2008/10/luis_fabiano_sevilla.jpg

Luis Fabiano has opened the door to a move to the Premier League but only after next summer’s World Cup finals in South Africa.

The Sevilla striker was thought to be close to a move to AC Milan at the start of the summer but the two clubs could not agree a fee for the Brazilian.

Chelsea and Manchester United are also reported to be interested in Fabiano with both clubs looking to bolster their strike force in the January transfer window.

However, the talented striker believes swapping clubs before next summer’s tournament would be too risky and could cost him his place in the Brazil’s starting line-up.

“A January move would be too risky,” he told Daily Star Sunday.

“You’d have to deal with changes too close to the World Cup and there’s little time to recover from any setbacks.

“If a club approaches Sevilla then, they will make their lives as hard as they can, just like they did with AC Milan.

“But after the World Cup it’s a different story.

“I see United as a team with a very interesting style of play, of passing, of crossing. I think it would be easy to fit in.

It appears that Luis Fabiano is attempting to court the attention of both Manchester United and Chelsea with these very carefully worded quotes. Sir Alex Ferguson may well be looking for another striker, he has after all been strongly linked with many others forwards most notably Edin Dzeko, and the Brazilian may well see that he has gone as far as he can with Sevilla and a move after the World Cup to the Premier League looks a distinct possibility for the former bad boy of Brazilian football.

The 29 year old former Porto, Rennes and Sao Paulo man has been in consistent form in La Liga in the past few seasons, 79 goals in three and a half seasons, and is also in red hot international form of late and even though Manchester United have the likes of Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen to call upon the Old Trafford side is still not hitting the back of the net as often as Ferguson would like.

Luis Fabiano would cost something in the region of £16m and would be a pretty good acquisition although there would be a question mark over whether he suits the English top tier and therefore it would be something of a gamble for Manchester United or Chelsea to make.

drivemein

22-12-2009, 09:40 AM

Agents admit interest in Silva
-skysports.com-

http://imgserv.ya.com/galerias2.ya.com/img/a/a22f0a10b1324267i3.gif

'Big clubs' are following fortunes of Valencia star

David Silva's agents have admitted that 'big clubs' have asked about the Valencia star's situation, although he is only thinking ahead to next summer's World Cup.

The 23-year-old has previously admitted he was the subject of a large bid from an English club in the summer.

It is thought Manchester United have contacted the player's agents, Amadeo Rengel and Julio Llorente, to ask about a possible bid, although the club is said to want to wait until next summer to evaluate the situation.

But Real Madrid and Barcelona are also thought to be interested in signing the Spain international.
Not deny

His agents said: "Now Silva only thinks to play in and arrive well to the 2010 World Cup, but we can not deny that big clubs have asked about his situation and we transmitted the question to Valencia.

"The decision rests with Valencia but Silva will also decide at the right moment - but at this moment we are very calm."

Silva was expected to depart the Mestalla in the summer, along with team-mate David Villa, as Valencia looked to ease their precarious financial position.

But the pair stayed and Silva is tied to Valencia until 2013, with the club thought to value the 23-year-old at 40 million euros.

The Agent of Fiorentina goalkeeper Sebastien Frey, Giovanni Branchini, has played down talks of a move to Manchester United.

The 29-year old Frenchman has been closely linked with a January shift to the English champions as Sir Alex Ferguson continues to seek for a long-term replacement for veteran Edwin van der Sar but Branchini has cooled any speculation surrounding a move for his client.

English Premier League champions Manchester United are plotting an audacious £50m bid for Valencia’s exciting attacking duo of David Silva and David Villa.

The Spanish international pairing have been regularly linked with a move to Old Trafford since the summer, but in the end both players remained at the Mestalla and have been in good form in La Liga this season.

However, Los Che’s financial difficulties are well documented and it is likely both Silva and Villa will be sold in January in order to balance the books.

The Daily Telegraph comments that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson sees Silva as the long-term replacement to veteran Ryan Giggs, while Villa is regarded among the top strikers in European football.

Both Barcelona and Real Madrid seemed set to land Villa in the close season but Los Blancos instead opted for Karim Benzema while the Blaugrana signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Ferguson has watched his side lose to both Aston Villa and Fulham in the past week, and is desperate to boost his squad for a title push in the second half of the season, to stay in touch with current leaders Chelsea.

Sir Alex Ferguson has kicked off the January transfer-window action by bidding for Benfica winger Angel Di Maria.

Ferguson has reacted to Manchester United's stuttering defence of their title by offering £9million plus Nani for the 21-year-old Argentina international.

The United manager witnessed Di Maria's scintillating form at first hand when he was at Goodison Park for the second leg of Benfica's Europa League rout of Everton recently.

Yet it seems football is finally feeling the pinch this winter.

The Premier League may have its nouveaux riches in Birmingham City and Manchester City, or relative warhorses in United and Chelsea, but there will be few grand unveilings over the next four weeks.

Indeed, we should not be surprised if to loan, beg, borrow or steal becomes the motto of this January window.

Business will be busy but bargains in the shape of swaps, loans and free transfers will be the trend.

The move for Di Maria doesn't end Fergie's interest in a defender or left-sided midfielder but he would prefer to delay further recruitment until the summer. And he is not alone.

Arsene Wenger has often been tied by Arsenal's purse strings but he reasons it is not so easy to find what you want. 'Let's not dream. You must be a magician to go out today and buy a player who can play in the Champions League, who is free and who has world-class quality,' he said.

'We haven't found what we want but there is money there. Ideally, I would just like our injured players back. I always said I would not buy any players if we had no injuries.'

The main focus is on Chelsea. Transfer embargo permitting, they are the main attraction. Being based in London, top of the league and blessed with a rich benefactor will appeal to the twinkling toes of Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero and the brawn of Wolfsburg's Edin Dzeko.

For Manchester City, transition is not as attractive to the world's elite stars as being an established Champions League contender. Roberto Mancini will certainly be a draw but defensive recruits could be where he has greatest success.

Alex McLeish will find Carson Yeung's £40m budget a whole new experience but even he is mindful of upsetting his improving side with any 'big-time Charlies'.

He said: 'I think if Lionel Messi was coming, the players might just accept that one. We want to maintain the spirit.'

Explaining why he wouldn't consider a move to England in the summer, he told The Times: 'Quite simply, I rejected the possibility of moving abroad at that moment because my wife was pregnant and it didn't seem right to leave.

'I like the Premier League a lot. It's the league I follow the most along with La Liga and I've got a lot of friends playing there. There are a lot of globally important teams there that play very good football.

'Maybe quite a few years ago, Spanish players were reluctant to leave La Liga for another league, but that's all changed now.

'There are very important players, a showcase of Spanish footballers playing for Premier League clubs, and there are players in other leagues, lesser leagues, as well. I think that the Spanish footballer has changed in this aspect in the last few years.'

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez would love to partner Villa with Fernando Torres up front, but do not have the funds to launch a transfer bid at the moment, while Manchester City's new manager Roberto Mancini may also want to consider a bid.

Villa has always been cautious to offend a club he feels a great debt to, but it is Valencia's financial woes which could signal the end of his career at the club.

Kings of Spain: Villa and Fernando Torres line up for the national team

The fourth-place side in La Liga are determined to keep hold of their star players till the end of the season, but are then expected to cash in on assets like Villa and David Silva to eat into debts of about £625m.

Villa said: 'I have a duty to Valencia. It's my club: the one that pays my wages and with whom I have a contract.

'This summer, they'll have a look at things, analyse them and in time we'll see what happens.

'All I can do now is stay relaxed, try and score as many goals as possible and have a good a season as possible, as much as with my club as with the national team.

'We're still a long way off from the months of June and July, and when they come around we'll analyse the situation then.'

Real Madrid and Manchester United both want to sign Fiorentina teenage sensation Khouma Babacar, likened by some to Chelsea hitman Didier Drogba.

The 16-year-old Senegalese striker is regarded as one of the most talented youngsters in Italy, and has been at Fiorentina since the summer of 2008.

Despite his young age, Babacar is already training with the Viola first team squad and coach Cesare Prandelli – famous for developing youngsters – believes the hitman is destined for the very top.

Babacar’s talent, and form for the Fiorentina Primavera side, has not passed unnoticed around Europe, and the player’s agent Denis Rondanini has confirmed that both Real Madrid and Manchester United want the African.

“Yes, it's true and there have not just been other enquiries but real and proper offers with some big clubs,” said Rondanini.

“But in the end we chose Fiorentina because we are convinced that it's the right place for him and that he is in good hands both from the directors' point of view and from the technical management.

“I repeat, they will know when to launch him in the first team. Baba's qualities are under everyone's eyes but he is still a lad of 16-17 who has a lot to learn. From this point of view, the fact he is already able to train with the champions who play for Fiorentina is an honour for him.”

Italian clubs have had real problems in recent years with prodigious youngsters being poached by foreign clubs, particularly Premier League sides, and Fiorentina will be determined to keep hold of Babacar.

goal

drivemein

26-12-2009, 01:32 PM

Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United on stand-by for Atletico Aguero auction
-mirrorfootball.co.uk-

Argentinian star Sergio Aguero will be put up for sale to spark a massive auction - with Chelsea, Manchester City and even Manchester United on standby for a £40million chase.

Atletico Madrid have tabled a £10million offer for fellow Argentine Eduardo Salvio, who is seen as Aguero's successor both for club and country.

The Spanish side want to tie up a deal quickly with Salvio's club Lanus and have started to rush through the talks as they know Aguero may be on his way to the Premier League.

Chelsea have been after Aguero for weeks but have run into a major snag over his personal terms. Owner Roman Abramovich does not want to pay him too much and unsettle the dressing room.

Aguero's reluctance to commit has put the move to Stamford Bridge in doubt although the news from Madrid will keep their interest alive.

But now super-rich City are flexing their muscles, with their Arab management keen to restore some face after the Mark Hughes sacking debacle.

City could step in if Robinho pushes to go or Craig Bellamy becomes unsettled by the changes at the top. Aguero would be at home at Eastlands with his pal Carlos Tevez already there.

And neighbours United - who have money to spend on the right player - are watching developments and waiting to see what the price is before entering the bidding.

Sir Alex Ferguson wants an extra attacker and has been on Aguero's trail for some time. There are doubts at United about whether he is physically strong enough for English football, but they still remain interested.

Atletico are prepared to sell Aguero for the right price and are desperate to hike up the valuation. But their move for Salvio - a precocious 19-year-old who has already played for Argentina - suggests that the countdown for the exit has begun.

Manchester United are believed to have entered the race to sign Juventus ace Giorgio Chiellini.

United have reportedly joined their Manchester rivals in the quest to sign the talented Italian defender.

New City boss Roberto Mancini is understood to have listed the £12million-rated star as a top priority in the transfer window.

But with United hit by injuries at the back, he faces stiff competition to land his target.
Unsettled

Chiellini has already confessed he feels unsettled at Juventus and has hinted at a move away from Serie A.

The 25-year-old, though, is still a key figure at the Italian club according to his agent Davide Lippe.

"It will be difficult for such an important player to leave Juventus but we will see what happens in January," he told the News of the World.

Lippe said that, so far, he has had no contact from the new City coach but that a move to Manchester was not completely out of the question.

"I haven't heard from Mancini but I couldn't rule out a move to Manchester," he said.

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11679_5804709,00.html

B4YU

28-12-2009, 09:07 AM

gencar beredar neh.....#:-S

MACHEDA SET FOR SPANISH SWITCH

FEDERICO MACHEDA is being lined up for a January loan move to Real Zaragoza.

The Italian striker played a key role in the final games of last season in earning Manchester United their third successive Premier League title.

But he has not appeared in the League this term and United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is considering a loan request from Zaragoza's caretaker boss Victor Munoz.

Macheda, 18, is likely to make the move to Spain until the end of the season.

Newcastle are also interested in taking Macheda on loan but it is thought Ferguson will see La Liga as a better learning environment than the Championship for the young striker.

The two clubs have enjoyed an excellent relationship since United loaned Gerard Pique, who is now with Barcelona, to the Spanish club three years ago.

Zaragoza's sporting director Pedro Herrera said: "With our money problems it is necessary to search for loan deals and these have worked well in other years. Macheda is on our agenda, that is certain."

An unnamed French club have asked to be kept informed of developments.

£18m Manchester United Striker Target Suarez Scores Six In One Game (Video)

Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly been keeping an eye on 22 year old Uruguayan International Luis Suarez and the Ajax striker can have done himself no harm with this latest show of goalscoring prowess.

The Old Trafford target has now netted an incredible 30 goals in 26 games this term and Manchester United are supposedly keen on bringing in another frontman to put pressure on the starting pair of Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov.

Yes Ajax opposition in this Dutch Cup game were woeful but the ability shown by Suarez in the Dutch Eredivisie and in the Europa League make the possibility of a big money move to Manchester United a decent one.

According to the News of the World, Manchester United have had a bid rejected for Benfica's impressive Argentinian winger Angel Di Maria .

The 21 year-old has been in excellent form this season and Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson will have noted Di Maria's performance in the Portugese giants' recent hammering of Everton in the Europa League.

United reportedly offered around £10M plus midfielder Nani in order to bring Di Maria to the club. Nani has performed solidly but failed to capture the imagination at United since his 2007 move to Manchester from Sporting Lisbon.

Meanwhile, Di Maria, known as 'the little angel' already has six Argentina caps to his name and scored the winner in the 2008 Olympic final.

Ferguson had hoped that Di Maria could add some sparkle to United's attack as their recent form has stuttered in the defence of their Premier League title.

But Benfica rejected the bid out of hand, pointing out that Di Maria, 21, has a £40m buy-out clause in a contract he signed two months ago.

Benfica president Luis Felipe Vieira is reluctant to disrupt the team at the moment because they are in contention for the Portuguese League title and have reached the last 16 of the Europa League.

Sporting CP are reportedly close to securing the loan services of Tottenham Hotspur duo Roman Pavlyuchenko and Gareth Bale as well as Manchester United winger Zoran Tosic.

The Lions are determined to pick themselves up after a poor start to the season and have been very active in the winter market, having spent nearly €9 million to sign Joao Pereira and Florent Sinama Pongolle from Sporting de Braga and Atletico Madrid respectively.

And, according to news daily Correio da Manha, Sporting will soon land the Premier League trio, with football agent Pini Zahavi, who enjoys good relations with the Portuguese club, conducting negotiations himself.

It is reported a deal for the three players is imminent and they will fly to Lisbon in the coming days to finalise the switch. Despite Pavlyuchenko's staggering salary at White Hart Lane, Sporting will reportedly only pay a quarter of the 28-year-old's wages.

In order to secure Gareth Bale's services until the end of the season, the Portuguese paper claims that Sporting have given Tottenham a buying option for midfielder Miguel Veloso, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League for more than a year now.

Pavlyuchenko signed for Spurs in the summer of 2008, but he is looking for a new club after finding himself out of manager Harry Redknapp's first-team plans, while Bale has figured infrequently and is believed to be interested in a loan spell to gain football experience.

Sporting are believed to be long-time admirers of Tosic, who arrived at Manchester United from Partisan in January, and will now temporarily land the Serbian after he failed to prove himself under Sir Alex Ferguson.

B4YU

29-12-2009, 01:59 PM

Nani heads for Manchester United exit

Manchester United's Portuguese winger Nani is resigned to leaving Old Trafford, with his representatives seeking clubs in Italy and Spain to rebuild his career from next month.

United made it clear they have called time on the 23-year-old's efforts to establish himself at Old Trafford when they offered him plus £10m to Benfica as part of a proposed deal to bring the prodigious Angel di Maria to Manchester earlier this month.

Nani, who was given a run of games in the side at the start of the season after Cristiano Ronaldo went to Real Madrid, had been disinclined to leave the club in a World Cup season, believing that he has more chance of establishing himself in Carlos Queiroz's plans with Champions League football. Though he would be cup-tied if he left, the player seems to have accepted his future lies elsewhere.

He has not played for United in the Premier League since the 2-0 win over Blackburn Rovers on 31 October and has managed only one goal for the club all season. Though there would be plenty of takers in his native Portugal, the Lisbon-born player is understood to be reluctant about such a prospect, preferring the higher profile he would find elsewhere in Europe.

The future of the player, signed for £14m from Sporting Lisbon, has been uncertain since last spring, when he was substituted at half-time against Tottenham and left Old Trafford early. At that stage of the season, he had been substituted on each of six league starts and never made it beyond 70 minutes. Nani later insisted he wanted to stay and fight for his future at United but the departure of Ronaldo, his closest friend at the club, has removed another reason to stay and stake his claim.

The failure of the Serb Zoran Tosic to fulfil the potential United saw in him makes United's need for a left-sided midfielder all the greater. But they face a battle to persuade Benfica to release Di Maria.

The club, who rejected United's initial offer, have as yet refused to entertain the idea of a pre-contract agreement for the winger in the hope that his performances in next year's World Cup for Argentina will trigger an auction.

Only a huge offer would be enough to draw the player away any sooner as the €14m (£12.3m) release clause in the player's contract does not come into play until the summer.

Nani said in an interview with Portuguese journalists earlier this year that he did not understand why he had such a bad press in England. His United career started promisingly. He scored a spectacular 30-yard winner against Tottenham at the start of last season before setting up the goals which enabled United to shade 1-0 wins against Sunderland and Everton and scoring against Liverpool. But the promise has not been fulfilled.

Luis Fabiano has dropped the biggest hint yet that he would be tempted to move to Manchester United, if the opportunity was to arise.

The Brazilian has been in sensational form this season scoring 13 goals in 16 games and it appears the 29-year-old is finally ready to turn his back on La Liga and test himself in the Premier League, in what Fabiano considers the ‘best in the world’.

Fabiano would clearly relish a link up with Sir Alex Ferguson, if presented with the chance, and he believes that his style of play can fit into any system that United may wish to play:

“Sir Alex Ferguson has said he respects the way I play football and the feeling is mutual.

“I very much respect him, his team and all he has done in football.

“Along with La Liga, I see the Premier League as the best in the world, and Manchester United play a brand of football I like.

“I don’t think it would be a problem for me to fit in at United at all.

“It doesn’t matter if its 4-5-1, 4-4-2, or 4-4-3 – United play a style of football that would be very easy for me to adapt to.”

Manchester United winger Nani could soon be on his way home to Portugal, with the Red Devils apparently set to offer the player to Benfica as part of a potential deal to bring Angel di Maria to old Trafford.

The Guardian reports that Nani himself has asked his agent to look for clubs in Italy or Spain rather than Portugal, though, as he has no interest in going back to his homeland.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to be very concerned about Nani's form and feels that there is little future for the Portuguese at the club.

Benfica are reportedly not keen to lose Argentine international Di Maria, widely viewed as one of the world's most promising forwards, unless one of his suitors coughs up £30 million.

Manchester City are also believed to be courting the 21-year-old Argentine.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson wants to get his hands on France World Cup keeper Hugo Lloris - but will have to pay Lyon £20million for their top shot-stopper.

Ferguson is ready to make a move for the tall 23-year-old as he looks for Edwin van der Sar's long-term replacement and he could make a major splash when the transfer window opens.

Lyon are wealthy and hard to deal with - as United have found in the past when they courted Karim Benzema - but Ferguson hopes their indifferent season may tempt the star keeper to leave.

Ferguson is ready to make a move for the tall 23-year-old as he looks for Edwin van der Sar's long-term replacement and he could make a major splash when the transfer window opens.

Lyon are wealthy and hard to deal with - as United have found in the past when they courted Karim Benzema - but Ferguson hopes their indifferent season may tempt the star keeper to leave.

10 things you need to know about Manchester United target Hugo Lloris
Click here to find out more!

Ferguson would ideally like a new keeper next month, but is also willing to wait until the summer to land his man. However van der Sar's personal problems - with his wife gravely ill - have added more urgency to the chase.

Lloris has been a stand-out for Lyon and France this season, helping his country beat the Republic of Ireland in the controversial play-offs with a strong and safe couple of displays.

United have been tracking Lloris's progress and feel he is the best emerging keeper around. He could be at the top for a decade or more and looks to have the bottle for big-game action.

The problem will be the fee, with the Glazers careful about their spending. But in Lloris's favour he has age on his side and a potential sell-on value down the line.

Ferguson is also a fan of Spartak Moscow's Igor Akinfeev, who is the same age and just slightly smaller than Lloris. He caught the eye when the clubs met in the Champions League.

The downside on both Lloris and Akinfeev is that they have both appeared in the elite competition this season, leaving them ineligible for the knock-out stages.

United are carefully monitoring van der Sar's position just now but may have to act swiftly if the Dutchman is to spend more time with his stroke victim wife. If he is ruled out they will make a major splash for his replacement.

Manchester United are in the hunt for Serbian international midfielder Gojko Kacar , who is currently at German side Hertha Berlin.

The 22 year-old is a versatile player, best deployed as a defensive midfielder, but also able to play at the back when needed or occasionally in a more attacking role. Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson places importance on versatility in his squad, having recently been forced to deploy midfielders such as Michael Carrick in defence due to an injury crisis at the back.

Kacar brings a significant physical presence and at 6ft is able to impose himself on games. With 12 international caps to his name, Kacar will be keen to secure a place in the Serbian World Cup squad and a move to Old Trafford would greatly boost his chances.

Kacar is almost certain to leave Hertha Berlin, who are rooted to the foot of the Bundesliga with only six points all season. However, Manchester United face stiff competition for Kacar's signature from AC Milan and Juventus.

The Spanish giants have made the Old Trafford ace their No.1 summer target.

United plan to open new contract talks with Rooney next month about a possible £170,000-a-week deal.

But Madrid hope to turn Rooney's head and intend to pursue the England striker in the same way they trailed wing wizard Cristiano Ronaldo last season.

Madrid eventually landed Ronaldo for £80m and United fear they will make an offer for Rooney that they will struggle to turn down. Real president Florentino Perez wants to maintain the second coming of the Galacticos and add Rooney to Ronaldo, Kaka and Xabi Alonso.

A Madrid source revealed this week: “Rooney is the top name on the list for next summer. Madrid will pursue him in the same way they did with David Beckham and Ronaldo. They are always successful and will do what it takes to get Rooney.’’

Madrid’s general director Jorge Valdano would prefer to sign Atletico Madrid’s Argentine superstar striker Sergio Aguero. But Perez is adamant he wants Rooney, and he will use his relationship with Ronaldo to try to land the 24-year-old.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will of course do everything in his power to block any move for Rooney. And the player himself has made it clear he wants to stay at the Theatre of Dreams for life, but Madrid know they can lure almost any player in the world.

Ronaldo has backed up Perez’s desire to sign Rooney saying recently, saying: “I am convinced that Rooney will be a spectacle and a sensation in Real Madrid. I know perfectly this player and he would be a fantastic triumph in La Liga.”

Some areas of the press have today claimed that Nemanja Vidic’s Manchester United future is in doubt after he “refused” to play against Leeds on Sunday, despite taking part in the warm up.

It makes sense with rumours mounting over Vidic’s supposed unhappiness in Manchester.

Unless you read the interview with Vidic from the weekend, before the Leeds game, where he talks about the greatness of our club and manager.

“When I came to England I struggled to adapt to the speed and intensity of the Premier League,” he said. “But the manager made me believe in myself. I will always remember one conversation we had. He came up to me and said: ‘Vida, I brought you to Manchester United because I know you are good enough to be one of the top defenders in the world – and I am never wrong!’ When someone shows that faith in you it is amazing. That is why I owe him so much. The great thing about this club is that there are winners everywhere.”

So could it possibly be that Vidic felt a niggle in the pre-match warm up and between Sunday just before kick-off and Sunday just after kick-off, the manager hadn’t been informed of what it was?

Get better soon, Nemanja!

B4YU

05-01-2010, 08:13 AM

Vidic: I’m A United Player And Proud Of It!

Nemanja Vidic insists that even when not playing he feels the pain of defeat because he is proud of his club.

“I can’t stand to lose because it is not good for our title challenge and because I don’t like to lose any game,” said Vidic. “Losing feels the same as being punched on the face. I am not good to be around. I might not have been playing at Fulham 3-0 just before Christmas but losing still hurt because I am a Manchester United player and I am proud of my club.”

Vidic: We Need Rooney… Not Ronaldo

Nemanja Vidic has sung the praises of team mate Wayne Rooney, claiming that he is tougher to play against than Cristiano Ronaldo.

“If there was ever one player we had to keep hold of then it was Wayne and not Cristiano Ronaldo,” said Vidic. “I am not taking anything away from Ronaldo but Wayne is the toughest player to play against. He has all the skill and ability of Ronaldo but also has the strength and work rate to match the talent. Sure, Ronaldo is a great player but we are still a great team without him.”

Sport.co.uk understands Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra is available in the January transfer window and that the Manchester United are a possible destination for the Malian international. However, any January move, whether it be to Manchester United, or a central European club may not go through due to Real Madrid’s valuation of the player.

In an exclusive interview with Sport.co.uk Frederic Guerra revealed that his client is available. When asked if the player will leave Real Madrid agent Frederic Guerra said:

“For now in January it is possible, but it will be very difficult. It depends how much money a club is willing to pay the player, and how much Real Madrid want for the player.

“His contract finishes in 2011, so he still has time to run.”

Guerra was coy when asked which Premier League clubs were interested in the Malian international:

“I will say that three years ago I spoke with Sir Alex Ferguson about Diarra but he didn’t give me any money. ”

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has tracked the progress of the combative midfielder since the former Lyon player moved to Real Madrid. The signing of Portsmouth’s Lassana Diarra and injury problems have relegated the defensive midfielder to the bench at the Bernabeu.

However, Manchester United’s recent dip in form and the long-term injury problems regarding Owen Hargreaves could see Sir Alex Ferguson look to add some steal to his side.

Diarra has previously been linked with a move to Old Trafford, while he was at Lyon and during his time at Real Madrid along with Italian giants Juventus. Diarra has only managed 16 appearances in two seasons at the Bernabeu and is rumoured to be eager for a fresh start.

Nemanja Vidic pulled out of our match against Leeds United at the last minute, after picking up an injury in the warm up. This meant Antonio Valencia was drafted in at the last minute to go on the bench.

The press the following day was rather surprising though, with it becoming obsessed with Sir Alex Ferguson’s post-match comments which were made directly after the game. When asked what was wrong with Vidic, the manager replied that he didn’t know, which you would imagine is fairly reasonable. When exactly was he supposed to have found out what was wrong with Vidic? Whilst the match was taking place?

After claiming Vidic and Ferguson had fallen out, the press then claimed it was because Vidic wanted to play for Real Madrid. Clearly they hadn’t picked up on the interview that Vidic had given that morning, where he said he was proud to play for United.

Our defender has responded to the rumours today.

“Everything surprised me a lot,” he said. “Ferguson said that he didn’t talk with the club doctor, but he didn’t say that he doesn’t believe in my injuries and that we are in a fight. Everybody in the club knows that I have a marvellous understanding with my coach Ferguson. Moreover, I’m not unhappy at Old Trafford. I’m just injured and that is the end of the story. I hope that I will be able to play as soon as possible. The doctors told me that I will not be able to play for the next seven or ten days so I don’t think that I will play against Birmingham City.”

ALEX FERGUSON has been told he must cough up £40m to take Marseille wonder winger Hatem Ben Arfa to Manchester United.

Real Madrid are also keen but the sky-high asking price means Arfa looks certain to stay in France.

Olympique Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier said: "If a club like Manchester United or Real Madrid offered 45 million Euros then we'd have to think twice.

"I don't believe it will happen but the market lasts another month."

The France star, 22, has failed to hit top form since a £9m move from Lyon 18 months ago but remains one of the game's top prospects.

drivemein

07-01-2010, 10:34 PM

Three players who could improve Manchester United
-sport.co.uk-

£700m worth of debts, eh? That one could take a few centuries to pay off. The banks will surely stop lending soon but, in the meantime, who could Alex Ferguson turn to to boost his Manchester United side’s stuttering title challenge? Sport.co.uk dons the official Sport.co.uk Thinking Cap (£9.99 + VAT from all good retailers)…

http://www.bwfc.co.uk/javaImages/7a/b7/0,,1004~3782522,00.jpg

Name: Gary Cahill

Club: Bolton Wanderers

Position: Central defender

Age: 24

Estimated value: £15m

Ferguson has ruled out spending big on a defender during this transfer window but, given the recent injury crisis which saw Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick have to fill in at centre-back, this assertion could be taken with a pinch of salt. A bid in the region of £15m for impressive last-ditch defender Cahill could well tempt Bolton into trading him in and giving the money to new manager Owen Coyle for squad rebuilding.

Former Watford wide man Young has struggled to recapture his form of last season but Ferguson will know that he is still a tremendous talent. He cannot keep relying on Ryan Giggs for ever and, with his ability to beat men and hug the touchline, Young could prove to be a rewarding project for Ferguson. Witness the improvement of Antonio Valencia since he moved to Old Trafford from Wigan Athletic in the summer.

http://www.arenabola.com/data/2_4681_Edin_Dzeko_wolfsburg_jerman.jpg

Name: Edin Dzeko

Club: Wolfsburg

Position: Centre-forward

Age: 23

Estimated value: £25m

Wayne Rooney is magnificent but susceptible to going games at a time without scoring, Dimitar Berbatov remains far from convincing and Michael Owen cannot be relied upon for form or fitness. As such, United still need more strike power and the prolific Bosnian Dzeko is sure to have caught Ferguson’s eye after scoring against United in successive Champions League games earlier this season. Prolific and strong in the air, Dzeko would give United the kind of robustness in attack that they have lacked perhaps since Mark Hughes.

Sir Alex Fergusontoday launched a forthright defence of the policies of the Manchester United owners, the Glazer family, and insisted that the club's spiralling debt had no bearing on his refusal to enter the transfer market during the January window.

The United manager was adamant he had money to spend if he so wished and said the club's plans to raise £600m via a bond issue to help tackle their £699m debt were a positive development that would strengthen the financial position.

"The bond issue is a good thing for the club; I think anything that helps with repayment of debt is a good thing," he said. "There is debt there but it has never interrupted my plans for the team at any stage. I don't have any concerns about the financial situation. I have absolutely no issue at all with the club's finances and I am really confident about that."

He added that his day-to-day running of the club had not been impaired by Old Trafford's burden of debt, which has increased from £540m in 2005, the year the Glazer family took control from the old plc. In the year up to June 2008 United paid £69m in interest alone.

Despite widespread scepticism, Ferguson maintained that the first instalment of the £81m United will receive for the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid last summer is still available to him.

"No, believe me, there is no impact," he said. "I have all the money I need; the money is available. If I wanted to buy someone, I could get the money. The concerns are down to the fact that I have not moved in the transfer market but that is nothing to do with the Glazers, it is simply because I am not going to pay £50m for a striker who is not worth it." :P

In the past, Ferguson has joked that he was unconcerned by the way the Glazers have loaded United with debt because he would not be around to deal with the consequences. He has always backed the family whom he has found easier to deal with than the plc board and who, unlike Roman Abramovich at Chelsea and the Abu Dhabi United Group who run Manchester City, have not interfered in the transfer market.

He added that he has long been suspicious of the January window. "I don't see any diamonds there," he said. "We struck lucky with Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra but it took them time to adjust. But you can't guarantee it and you are limited when you are looking for players to play in Europe [because they are cup-tied]. I don't see a player who could make a difference in terms of value and ability."

However, Ferguson did acknowledge that if anything happened to Wayne Rooney between now and the end of the season, it would put an enormous strain on United's already limited striking resources.

In this case, he admitted, the champions would feel Ronaldo's loss sharply. "That is a possibility," he said. "It is true that we don't have great options if Rooney were to get injured, in the sense that we do not have top quality like Ronaldo, who could play anywhere, of course.

"We have brought in the boy Mame Diouf [from the Norwegian club Molde] and we will be looking to involve him at Birmingham, and I think it is a good time to do it. He's quick and he's got a magnificent spring in the air for someone of 5ft 10in. He has a good intelligence, a good feel for the game. We have done well to get the kid. He may just do well straight away. But everyone keeps missing the point because the most important thing is to get our centre-backs fit again."

While no date has been set for Rio Ferdinand's return from a persistent back injury, Ferguson does expect Vidic to be available in 10 days' time following his late withdrawal before United's FA Cup third-round defeat by Leeds United that left his manager nonplussed. "I can tell you now that Vidic felt a bit of a problem with the nerve going down the right side of his leg and it had been a problem for him," Ferguson admitted. "He didn't feel confident about playing the game but we have the problem under control."

Manchester United striker Federico Macheda is wanted by struggling Serie A side Bologna on loan, according to reports.

The Italian outfit sit just one point above the relegation zone and, according to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, are hopeful of bringing the 18-year-old back to his homeland, where he can score the goals to steer them away from the drop.

Macheda has made just five first-team appearances all season for the Red Devils, with Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Owen and even new recruit Mame Biram Diouf currently ahead of him in the pecking order.

And, as a result, he is believed to be in favour of a temporary move away from Old Trafford in order to secure regular action and ensure he features in Sir Alex Ferguson's future plans.

"Bologna have asked for him but we have to evaluate things with Manchester United," Macheda's agent, Giovanni Bia, told Tuttomercatoweb.

"I have a telephone appointment with them, but it will be difficult for them to let him go.

"If they will do it, it would be on loan."

Macheda joined the Red Devils in 2007 from Lazio and burst onto the Premier League scene last season after scoring in each of his first two league appearances off the bench – including the injury-time winner against Aston Villa.

He signed a new four-year contract in December keeping him at the club until June 2014.

Manchester United are weighing up an £18million move for Porto defender Rolando.

The classy centre half has shot to prominence with his performances in the Champions League.

He is well thought of by former United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz, who has called him up to the full Portugal squad.

Rolando, 24 and 6ft 3in, has an eye for goal and has formed a strong partnership with another United target, Bruno Alves.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side are in the market for defenders because of concerns over the futures of centre halves Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

Ferguson is reluctant to pay over the odds but Porto value Rolando at around £28m.

B4YU

15-01-2010, 08:13 AM

Real Madrid to beat Manchester rivals in race for coveted wonderkid

Real Madrid look set to pip a host or Premier League sides in the race for the precocious 18-year-old Sergio Canales. Reports in Spain suggested Real Madrid’s general manager Jorge Valdano held talks with the Racing Santander midfielder’s father about a proposed £500,000 a year contract, and although Angel Canales is likely to demand a figure closer to the £1 million mark, initial reports intimate the La Liga giants will beat bitter rivals Barcelona, in addition to Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.

The talented attacking midfielder is one of the brightest young prospects on the continent, and has already lit up La Liga this season most recently scoring a brace to down Sevilla, making it three goals in four starts. Reports over the weekend suggested Chelsea were closing in on the prodigal Under-19 Spanish international, however the player’s father said yesterday such rumours were unfounded. Scouts from Manchester United have been aware of the 18-year-old for sometime, while representatives from Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City have been in attendance of his games this season.

Canales is out of contract at the end of the season, and although there is a clause in his contract stipulating of another year at Racing should he play over 450 minutes this season, Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool were all hoping to offer terms to the player. Reports from Marca however, suggest Real Madrid have beaten them to the punch.

The Spanish based daily publication based in Madrid, claims Real Madrid are negotiating directly with Angel Canales, and will propose signing the player but loaning him straight back to Racing Santander.

CSKA Moscow winger Milos Krasic has rejected an approach from Roberto Mancini's Manchester City, saying he only wants to join either Manchester United or Arsenal.

The Serbia international impressed in both group games against United in the Champions League earlier this season with the lively schemer scoring in the 3-3 draw at Old Trafford.

Several of Europe's top sides sent scouts to watch the 25-year-old, who can play down the right hand side or as an attacking midfielder, but City were the first ones to make a strong inquiry.

Despite having only one year left on his contract in the Russian capital, City were taken aback by CSKA's £15million valuation but their efforts seem to be in vain as he has made it clear to his advisers he only wants to join United or Arsenal.

United have interest but are weighing up other options, while Arsenal have said they would have to sell players before being able to match CSKA's valuation.

The Reds are among a growing queue of suitors tracking Racing Santander's 18-year-old attacking midfielder.

It is understood that the Reds' European scout Martin Ferguson, brother of Sir Alex, was among those casting an eye over the new teenage sensation last weekend in Racing's match against Real Valladolid.

He saw Canales score Racing's equaliser in their home El Sardinero stadium.

His points-saver followed on from a two-goal display away at Sevilla in his previous match to kick off a sensational 2010 for the local player, who has had the Spanish drooling.

The gifted midfielder with an eye for goal has inevitably already caught the attention of Real Madrid.

The big spenders have attempted to nip in ahead of their rivals for Canales' signature with a deal but have yet to make an agreement.

The player is out of contract at Racing in the summer and from the beginning of this year was able to open dialogue with interested parties.

While he'd be available for nothing at the end of the season as a free agent, Real at least have noted that to stick around until then might be too late.

Canales has been at the Santander club since he was 11 but it has only been this season when new boss Miguel Angel Portugal gave him his chance that he proved he had the quality for La Liga.
But it is not just Real Madrid and United who are monitoring Canales, Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are all in the hunt.

But the words of Canales suggest that the 18-year-old is not quite ready for a move to a top club, despite reported interest.

He said: “Right now my preference is for Racing. They are the ones who have given me the confidence to play and make my debut at 18-years-old.

“Without ruling out anything, in the situation that I am in, I'm happy here.”

His father Angel insists the Canales camp won't have their heads turned by the interest developing in Europe.

“Various clubs have been in contact but we must take things step by step,” he said.

“It's an important moment for Sergio. It is complicated, not only for economic matters. We have not yet decided anything.

“It is clear that Sergio must continue to play and at a big team that can be difficult.”

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is set to run the rule over Norwegian defender Even Hovland again.

The 20-year-old impressed during a two-week trial at Manchester United in December and the Premier League champions have asked him to return.

Although Manchester United have not put in an offer for Hovland, the Sogndal defender will undergo a medical whilst he is at Old Trafford.

Sogndal director Egil Mundal told Norwegian TV station NRK: "Even has been offered a new trial for a few days. Of course, we gave him permission to do that. We haven't received a serious offer for him yet though."

Danny Simpson has moved to Newcastle United permanently, for an undisclosed transfer fee, following a successful loan spell on Tyneside.

The Salford-born right-back made eight first-team appearances after graduating from the academy, his senior debut coming in the 2007/08 Carling Cup tie against Coventry City.

Simpson also played on loan for Royal Antwerp, Blackburn Rovers and his new employers' arch-rivals Sunderland during his Old Trafford career. He joined Newcastle at the beginning of the current season, and has now signed a three-and-a-half year contract.

Newcastle manager Chris Hughton, himself a former full-back, said: "We're delighted to complete a permanent deal for Danny.

"He's a player who has been with us since the summer and has played a key role during the first half of the season.

"Danny is a very popular lad in the dressing room and he took no time at all to settle in. He was always a player we wanted to keep at the club and he was very keen to stay given how much he's enjoyed being here."

ManUtd.com would like to wish Danny the best of luck at his new club.

hendiplast

21-01-2010, 07:28 PM

Manchester United keen on £25m Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini - but agent admits he's also talking to City and Spurs

The Italy international's agent was at the thrilling Carling Cup semi-final first leg on Tuesday night, revealing that both clubs had invited him to the match.

The agent, Davide Lippi, stayed in England after the match for talks with Tottenham Hotspur, though he did not say whether Chiellini was the subject of talks with the north London club.

Lippi insisted a deal was not imminent for the 25-year-old but respected Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest United are making strong moves as they seek a long-term replacement for Nemanja Vidic.

Chiellini is highly prized and a bid in excess of £25million may be needed to prise him from Juventus.

Speaking of the visit to Eastlands for City's 2-1 win, Lippi insisted: 'I was there but it was absolutely a courtesy visit.

'I was invited by the two clubs and I was pleased to see a good match. The market is open all year, talking with everyone and everything, not just Chiellini.

'A real interest? It is normal when we talk about a very important player like Chiellini, but there is no news.

'There are many players that may interest Manchester City or United, today I was talking to the leaders of Tottenham.'

Meanwhile, former United striker Giuseppe Rossi is hoping to clinch a move to Italy at the end of the season.

Sir Alex Ferguson has first refusal on the 22-year-old as part of the £6.6million deal which took him to Villarreal two-and-a-half years ago.

But the American-born Italy international's agent indicates that Rossi would rather return to Serie A than consider a move back to Old Trafford.

Rossi is a regular at Spanish side Villarreal, but misses his homeland, where he started his career with Parma.

The agent, Andrea Pastorello, said: 'Giuseppe has adapted to Spanish life very well, but it is clear that he would prefer to come back to Italy at the end of the season.

'There is a World Cup to also contend with, and barring any surprises, he will go to South Africa, and we shall see what happens after that.

'With the economic crisis gripping Italian clubs, there are a few teams that could go after him and acquire him.

'Inter, Juventus, AC Milan or even Napoli, who have demonstrated that they can make good investments, could also go after him.'

United have invited Norwegian youngster Even Hovland for a second trial.

The 20-year-old Sogndal defender impressed Ferguson during his initial two-week spell in December and is set to undergo a medical at the Red Devils this time around.

Sogndal director Egil Mundal said: 'Even has been offered a new trial for a few days. Of course, we gave him permission to do that. We haven't received a serious offer for him yet though.'

According to reports in the French press, Manchester United have opened negotiations with Toulouse for their star midfielder Moussa Sissoko. With Owen Hargreaves injury problems continuing and a lack of strength in the centre of midfield, Sir Alex Ferguson has made the 20-year-old Frenchman his top transfer target.

Inter Milan, Lyon and Tottenham are also interested in Sissoko but it is Manchester United who are leading the chase to seal the deal before the end of the transfer window. The player is unlikely to come cheap as he has become one of the best midfielders in the French League despite his age and is widely tipped to make the national squad for the World Cup.

It is hardly surprising that there’s so much interest in 20-year-old Sissoko as he was a revelation last season for the French club that finished 4th in Lique One and has been even better this season which has had the Manchester United scouts flooding to Toulouse as the club look for a talented midfield enforcer to improve the Red Devils squad.

Sissoko may be just 20-years-old but stands at 6 ft 1 and is powerfully built. He has been likened to Real Madrid star Mahmadou Diarra and new Manchester City signing Patrick Vieira for his box to box powerful displays. Manchester United have targeted more athleticism in the centre of the park and there are few young players with such a strong reputation who are not playing at one of the big clubs.

Sissoko extended his contract earlier this season but it’s unlikely he’ll remain in France. The player spoke sensibly regarding the interest from the Premier League, “I have to learn my trade here.”

“I like the Premier League, but I am in no hurry to get there. There will be time for that in the future.

“At the moment I am trying to do my best in the French top-flight.”

The young star was born in Le Blanc-Mesnil but is of Malian descent. He played for local side US Aulnay and Red Star before moving to Toulouse to join their U14 side. His quality was there to see despite his young age and the club fought off interest from a number of clubs to sign the player on a professional contract in January 2007.

“People will always talk about the link between the Gaffer and his son, but I have just come here to play my football and I am hoping to give 100 per cent for Preston North End,” said Welbeck. “I have been looking at the history of the Club and Manchester United and Preston North End link well together and I am looking forward to playing for the club. I am looking forward to playing up front as a striker, because back at United I was out on the wings a lot and that is not my preferred position; playing as a striker at Preston is going to improve me and off the pitch as a person it will develop me. I’m a player that wants to score goals and wants to play the game in the right way. I have been at United since I was nine, so it is a bit different coming away, but it only going to make me stronger and a better player and I am looking forward to it.”

Manchester United have expressed an interest in the Fulham defender Chris Smalling whose remarkable rise from non-league football now looks likely to continue with a battle for his signature between two of the biggest clubs in English football.

It has been widely anticipated that Arsenal would make the first move for the £7m-rated defender who was playing for Maidstone United when he was signed by Roy Hodgson in March 2008.

However, Manchester United have let it be known that they are interested in the 20-year-old who in a short space of time has broken into the Fulham side and the England Under-21s.

Smalling is highly regarded for his pace and strength and his ability to play on the left side of the central defensive pairing.

Meanwhile Sir Alex Ferguson has done his son Darren, the new Preston North End manager, a significant favour by loaning him the striker Danny Welbeck who was sought by a number of clubs this month. Welbeck, 19, joins Preston until the end of the season.

United have agreed terms with Fulham to sign their England Under-21 international defender Chris Smalling.

The 20-year-old Greenwich-born centre-back will join the Reds from the start of the 2010/11 season.

A club spokesperson told ManUtd.com: "Manchester United has agreed terms for the transfer of Chris Smalling from Fulham. Chris has agreed personal terms with the club and will join for the beginning of the 2010/2011 campaign. He will remain at Fulham until the end of the current season."

An England Under-21 international, Smalling has made just nine first-team appearances for Fulham, who signed him from non-league Maidstone 18 months ago.

After shining in the club’s Reserves, Roy Hodgson handed him his senior debut on the final day of the 2008/09 season. His first start came in September 2009 when Fulham travelled to CSKA Sofia in the UEFA Cup, where he played the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw. Hodgson said: “If you analysed his performance, he played with a maturity I'm not entitled to expect from a player so young.”

Smalling earned an England U21 debut in November last year and a first league start, against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, six weeks later.